08/03/2026

NATIONAL 6 theSun on Sunday MAR 8, 2026

Malaysians ‘cost-iously’ enjoying bazaar fare

Bubur biskut kapal revives sweet memories PARIT: From the 1970s to the early 1990s, bubur biskut kapal – a creamy biscuit porridge also known as pengat biskut kapal – was a popular dessert in central Perak. For those who grew up during that period, it was more than just a sweet treat. The dish was commonly served at family gatherings and festive occasions, including during Ramadan. Rosnani Mohd Yunus, 64, said she was told the traditional dessert was introduced by farmers from Penang and Kedah who migrated to central Perak in the 1960s and 1970s in search of agricultural opportunities. “Many came to work in the padi fields and plantations before settling down and marrying locals. “They brought recipes from their hometowns, including this biscuit porridge. Over time, it became popular and was often prepared for family meals and special occasions,” she told Bernama at her home in Kampung Seri Kaya. Rosnani, who is from Bota Kiri, first tasted the dish at the age of 12 after being introduced to it by her mother, who was from Penang. “My mother loved cooking and baking. I was usually the one sitting beside her in the kitchen, watching and listening as she explained each ingredient for the dessert,” said the mother of eight. She said the basic ingredients include fresh coconut milk, palm sugar, pandan leaves, salt and biskut kapal – a type of plain, dry biscuit. The coconut milk is first simmered with pandan leaves until fragrant, before palm sugar is added to provide sweetness and a natural brown hue. The mixture must be stirred gently over moderate heat to prevent the coconut milk from curdling and to achieve a smooth, slightly thick consistency. Rosnani said the dessert remains a favourite, not least because it takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and is easy to serve to guests. “I love it because it brings back childhood memories – the warmth of my mother’s kitchen and the laughter of my siblings as we helped prepare it during the fasting month,” she said. Determined to preserve the tradition, Rosnani now involves her children in the preparation process to ensure the recipe is passed down.

Consumers say prices remain manageable but ‘heavier’ dishes increase expenses

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians visiting Ramadan bazaars this year have said they are spending up to RM50 a day on iftar meals, although many are opting for lighter dishes while preparing main meals at home to manage rising food costs. Several consumers interviewed by theSun said while prices at bazaars remain generally manageable, heavier dishes such as grilled chicken or seafood can significantly increase daily spending. Penang-based customer service executive Noor Ayuni Ayob, 40, said she typically spends between RM20 and RM50 whenever she visits a bazaar near her workplace. “Usually, I go to the bazaar in front of my office. Once I’m there, the spending can quickly reach tens of ringgit,” she told theSun . Ayuni added that dishes such as ayam golek can cost more than RM30 each, while even simple fare such as nasi ayam kunyit can reach RM12 per portion. “As a family of six, we normally only buy side dishes because we cook the heavier meals at home. Occasionally, we will buy grilled chicken or grilled fish,” she added, adding that prices at the Bertam Putra Ramadan Bazaar in Penang have remained reasonable so far. Customer service worker Muhammad Nazrul Hakimi Muhamad Sufarizal, 26, said his expenses at a Ramadan bazaar typically average

Muhammad Saifuddin said his family usually break their fast at home, with side dishes from a Ramadan bazaar. – PIC COURTESY OF MUHAMMAD SAIFUDDIN ABDUL MANAF

“For a small family like mine, the cost of snacks usually comes to about RM20 at most,” said the father of three. He added that if he were to purchase both main and side dishes, the total expenses could reach RM50. Saifuddin added that the price of protein-based dishes is one of the main reasons he prefers to cook at home. “I consume a high-protein diet, so the cost can be slightly higher. “For example, a whole grilled chicken alone can cost about RM25.” Because of this, he said he typically prepares the main meal himself and only buys selected items from the bazaar. Ramadan bazaars remain a popular option for Malaysians seeking a wide variety of dishes for breaking fast, ranging from traditional kuih and noodles to grilled meats and rice-based meals.

about RM15 a day. He added that his purchases usually comprise a main dish and a side dish. “For side dishes, I might buy laksa , mee or kuey teow , while the main dish could be nasi lemak or ayam gepuk .” Muhammad Nazrul also said if his cash in hand made it possible, he could easily spend up to RM35 in a single day buying food from the bazaar. Bazaar customer Mohamad Fareez Fazrin Mohamad Zauqi said he typically spends about RM20, which usually covers a meal of rice and lauk, plus a drink. However for some families, purchases at Ramadan bazaars are more of an occasional treat. Teacher Muhammad Saifuddin Abdul Manaf, 38, said he rarely buys food from bazaars and usually limits purchases to light snacks such as kuih or murtabak .

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